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OCT. 14th, 1840.-At Wibsey, in the BradfordWest Circuit, Mrs. Nancy Blakely. She was brought to a saving knowledge of God under the ministry of the Rev. David Stoner, during his appointment to this Circuit; and from the time of his conversion walked in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost. She cherished a deep interest in the prosperity of religion in the village where she lived, and was particularly useful to young persons of her own sex. Her last affliction was protracted and severe; but she waited patiently for the coming of the Lord, and died in peace. W. W.

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Dec. 6th.-In the Infirmary, Leeds, Samuel Simpson, of Chapeltown, aged forty-seven. He had been a member of the Methodist society about twenty-seven years, and supported his profession by his life. For a considerable time he was chapel-keeper for the society with which he was connected, and faithfully attended to the duties he was called to discharge. On the Wednesday previous to his death, while employed in one of the neighbouring quarries, both his legs were broken. The injuries he sustained were such, that, from the first, all hope of his recovery was precluded. During the few days that he lingered in suffering he not only possessed his soul in patience, but was enabled most blessedly to triumph in the prospect of approaching dissolution. To a question put by the writer, a few hours before his departure, he exultingly replied, "Jesus is mine, and I am his." Mortification having taken place, he entered "the valley of the shadow of death" in the spirit of prayer and praise, breathing the language of his heart to God in those songs of Zion to which he had long been accustomed. Among his last words to his friends, who surrounded his dying pillow, were these:

"Together let us sweetly live, Together let us die;

He shortly after fell asleep in Jesus, leaving a beloved wife and seven children to the care of Him who has promised to be the Husband of the widow, and the Father of the fatherless.

A. B.

Dec. 18th.-At Gainsborough, aged eighty-five, Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards, late of Heckington, who was an upright and consistent member of the Methodist society during the last twenty-two years. She had great delight in the holy Scriptures, and also in the duty of prayer, both in private and in the society of her family and friends. She departed from this state of mortality, in the hope of that rest which remains for the people of God. H. R. 1

Dec. 20th.-At Somer's-Hall, in the Uttoxeter Circuit, Mr. Thomas Brassington, sen., in the ninety-third year of his age. His attention to divine things was first awakened, it is believed, under a sermon preached at Bath, on the death of Mr. Whitefield; but he did not closely connect himself with religious society till 1809, when he joined the Wesleyan Methodists, and continued a consistent member of the society until his death. H. C.

She

Dec. 20th.-At Taunton, Miss Bowditch. Truly moral in character, and favoured with the advantages of education, she yet saw not the way of a sinner's justification before God till five or six years ago; when, attending the sick bed of a beloved friend, she saw the power of religion, and learned lessons which she never forgot. began to seek the mercy of God for herself; and, under a sermon on "The Spirit itself beareth witness," &c., she entered into the liberty of the children of God. Her conduct, always correct, became now evidently spiritual, in addition; and she took an interest in the cause of religion which she had not felt before. Her last illness was long, and painfully trying, (an organic affection of the heart,) but not a murmur escaped her lips. She knew that she must die; and having set her house in order, she prepared for the final conflict and victory. Not long before she died, having testified her full reliance on the merit of her Saviour, she was asked, "Have you any doubt of your acceptance through Christ?" She replied, with strong feeling, and tears of thankfulness, "Not the least." J. J.

Dec. 26th.-At Shotteswell, in the Banbury Circuit, Mr. James Hawtree, who, for about half a century, walked "in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost." With an elevated religious fervour he united great diligence in business; and it pleased God to give him considerable earthly prosperity. With thoroughly temperate and frugal habits, he combined a cheerful willingness to support the cause of religion both in his own locality, and in distant lands. As a Local Preacher, his preaching was sound, spiritual, and acceptable. In the near advance of death, he was calm and joyful; and departed this life with an assured hope of being, through the merits of Christ, J. H. "for ever with the Lord."

And each a starry crown receive, And reign above the sky."

Dec. 31st.-At Shackerstone, in the Ashby-de

la-Zouch Circuit, Mrs. Waterfield. She joined the Wesleyan society on its formation in that village, about twenty-six years since, and continued a steady and consistent member until her death. The word of God was her constant companion, and the means of grace were her delight. She laboured faithfully to serve her generation, and was generally and highly esteemed. She bad not been well for some time prior to her death; but there was nothing in her case to alarm her friends. She expressed a hope of being soon able to go again to the house of prayer; but on the above-named day, after having taken her dinner, she suddenly became worse, and, in less than half an hour, was numbered with the dead. The Clergyman of the parish, in the funeral sermon which he preached on the occasion, spoke highly of the deceased as an exemplary Christian.

P. S.

Jan. 2d, 1841.-At Ryton, in the Malton Circuit, aged twenty, Sarah Thornton. About five years ago she was convinced of sin while attending a prayer-meeting; and, after mourning in deep distress of mind for the space of six weeks, she found peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ. The change which she had experienced was apparent in a Christian deportment. Her diligence and punctuality in attending the means of grace were exemplary, and her love to the souls of others led her to visit the sick and dying with great carefulness. Occupying an humble station in life, she discharged the duties of her situation with fidelity, industry, and integrity, Her last affiction was long and tedious; but she enjoyed great peace, and endured with much patience, till her happy spirit was released.

L. B.

Jan. 12th.-At Hereford, in the sixty-seventh year of her age, Mrs. Margaret Preece, who had been a member of the Wesleyan society about eighteen years. In the year 1823 she found peace with God, which she retained through life. During her last illness her mind was kept in perfect peace, stayed upon Jesus Christ. The fear of death was removed; and her language was, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." Just before she died, she repeated the following verses: "For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though after this skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." T. B.

Jan. 14th.-At Banbury, aged seventy-one, Samuel Roberts, a truly devout man. About forty years ago he was made a partaker of the faith whereof cometh salvation, and through all the changes of life he was enabled to retain and exercise the grace he land thus received. He enjoyed therefore a constant peace, which might be seen in the placidity of his countenance, as well as heard in frequent bursts of devout thanksgiving. He loved the Scriptures; and, as he was for many years extremely deaf, it was by these that he was instructed, comforted, and encouraged, so that they were better unto him than thousands of gold and silver. He had less intercourse with man, but closer communion with

In

God. His peace was as a river, and his righteousness as the waves of the sea. He was most regular in his attendance on the means of grace; and, while others were edified by hearing, he was edified by meditation and inward prayer. circumstances he was very poor, but contented, and grateful for the smallest kindness shown him. Religion, through Methodism, was, under God, "the savour of life unto life" to him. It gave him blessedness, and even influence; procuring for him general confidence and respect. Above all, it gave him peace at the last. His death was truly happy. J. H.

Jan. 14th.-At Brompton, in the Thirsk Circuit, Mr. Robert Pearson, aged seventy-two years. He had been an upright member of the Methodist society for more than fifty-two years, (many of which he was a Class-Leader,) maintaining an unblamable character to the end of life. His temper was retiring; but his truly Christian spirit and life rendered him one of the ornaments of the church of Christ. His last affliction was short; and such was its nature, that he could not converse much; but what he did say, expressed his unshaken confidence in God, through Jesus Christ. J. H.

Jan. 15th.-At Chepstow, in the forty-fourth year of his age, Mr. Benjamin Taylor. He was converted to God when about fourteen years of age. Subsequently he became a Local Preacher; and many, through his instrumentality, were brought out of the darkness of spiritual ignorance into the marvellous light of the Gospel. His death was the effect of a broken leg, caused by his leaping from a gig, ou his return from preaching. For five weeks he suffered much; but he was quite submissive to the will of God, and happy in his love. He died lamented by an extensive circle of friends, to whom his unexpected removal was a very painful shock.

T. B.

Jan. 18th.-At Keighley, Mary, the beloved wife of the Rev. James Allen, in the forty-fifth year of her age. She had been a devoted member of the Wesleyan society for more than thirty years. As a daughter, a sister, a wife, and a parent, her conduct was exemplary. Her last affliction was protracted and painful, but borne with Christian magnanimity. Her end was peace. J. A.

Jan. 20th.-At Awliscombe, in the Axminster Circuit, aged sixty, John Jeffrey. About twentytwo years ago, being at work in a house where family worship was observed, he was requested to join the domestic circle. This was the beginning of good to him. He attended the Wesleyan ministry; and, desiring to flee from the wrath to come, began to meet in class. He soon found peace through believing. To the end of his life his profession and his conduct agreed. For some months before he died, having a cancer, he suffered much; but his soul was happy. He repeatedly said, that he felt himself on the Rock. To a friend who said to him, "Well, John, you are going home," he replied, with triumphant emphasis, "I am going to glory." He was kept thus to the very last. J. R.

Jan. 20th.-At Drogheda, Mr. William Dawson, in bis sixty-sixth year, He joined the Methodist society in the city of Waterford, during his apprenticeship; and for about forty-seven years he maintained a consistent and uniform piety. He was warmly attached to the Ministers and members of the Wesleyan Connexion, and manifested his attachment by his regular attendance on the means of grace, and by his liberality in supporting the interests of the cause with which he was connected. For more than twenty years he sustained the office of Class-Leader, and was several times chosen Steward of the society. The various obligations thus incumbent upon him be discharged with great fidelity and acceptance. For the last few years he was subject to great nervous debility, and during his last illness was exercised with strong pain; but he was divinely supported. His death was sudden and unexpected; but he was found ready. His removal is severely felt by his sorrowing family, and by the society in this town; but their loss is his infinite gain.

J. C.

Jan. 21st.-At Bingley, Elizabeth Cryer, aged forty-seven years. She was a woman of deep pięty, of a meek and retiring spirit, and so long as she was able, filled the office of Class-Leader, and was exemplary in her attendance on the public means of grace. For the last eight years of her life she experienced very severe affliction, and part of the time was entirely confined to her room; but her soul was preserved in patience, and she quietly waited for her change. A day or two before her death, she said, "My work is done: I have nothing to do but to wait for the summons." She frequently expressed her joy in the atonement; and, a few hours before she died, she repeated part of the hymn beginning,

"For ever here my rest shall be."

A little after sunset she said, "What a blessing it will be, if the sun should rise in the morning on the lifeless clay!" So it did; for about halfafter eight the same night she fell asleep in Jesus. T. C.

Jan. 23d. In the eighty-third year of his age, at the house of his son-in-law, Mr. T. S. Rowe, of Margate, Mr. Walton, the esteemed friend and correspondent of the late Rev. R. Watson. He joined the Methodist society in Wakefield, June, 1794, on the day in which God was pleased to manifest his pardoning love to his soul. His faith wrought by love, and manifested itself by loyalty to the Government, integrity in commerce, high esteem for the Ministers of the Gospel, activity in the church of Christ, hospitality to his friends, liberality to the poor, and courtesy towards all. For some years he laboured hard in Sunday-schools, led four classes, held the office of Poor's Steward, and was always the ready visiter of the sick and dying. The latter years of his life brought on him many infirmities; but these were borne with great sweetness of temper, entire submission to the will of God, and a very spiritual state of the affections. After an illness of only fourteen days, in which he was greatly comforted, he fell asleep

in Jesus. And, on the following day, in the thirteenth year of his age, after a few days' illness, died John, grandson of Mr. Walton, and third son of Mr. T. S. Rowe. Thus, in the course of a few hours, have Mr. and Mrs. Rowe been called to sustain the loss of a beloved father and an affectionate son. J. H. A.

Jan. 23d.-At Newbliss, in the Clones Circuit, Ireland, Mrs. Anne Thompson, aged seventyone, having been for thirty-four years an exemplary member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society. She possessed, in no ordinary degree, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit; and in the bosom of her family, the graces which adorned her character shone with peculiar lustre. Her last illness was protracted and severe; yet throughout the whole of it she possessed unshaken confidence in her Redeemer. She never expressed the least fear of death; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. She died in great peace. J. W.

Jan. 23d.-At Higham-Ferrers, Mrs. Hannah Pressland, aged seventy-two, who was a highlyrespected member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society for nearly forty years. She was very regular in her attendance on all the means of grace, and took great pleasure in visiting the sick. In her last illness she frequently said, "I know I love God, who has been very good to me." When near her end, she exclaimed, "The blood of Christ was shed for me." Soon after, she yielded up her soul into the hands of her heavenly Father. M. D.

Jan. 25th.-At Brandon, in the Thetford Circuit, aged seventy-three, Mr. William Pearnain. He feared God from his youth, and for half a century was a useful and irreproachable member of the Wesleyan society. His house was the hospitable home of the Preachers; and to his zeal for God more than one village is indebted for the introduction of Methodist preaching. The afflietion which terminated his life was long, but not painful; and his death was a striking illustration of Psalm xxxvii. 37: "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace." J. C.

Jan. 26th. At the residence of his eldest son, Wilderness-row, London, Richard Dodd, A.M., late of Titchfield, Hants., aged seventy-six. He received his education at Kingswood-School, where he afterwards, as Tutor, gained the approbation and personal friendship of Mr. Wesley. On his retirement from Kingswood, he conducted an academy for youth; and many are now living who can testify to his assiduity and zeal in forwarding the temporal, and especially the spiritual, interests of those who were committed to his care. For upwards of forty years, he occasionally acted as a Local Preacher; and in the village where he resided, his house was always open to the Ministers of God. His end was singularly peaceful and happy.

T. R.

Jan. 28th.-At Epworth, aged forty-three, Jane, wife of the Rev. Edward Abraham. She was truly brought to God when about fifteen

years of age, and from that time adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour. In October last she caught cold, which issued in fatal consumption. During her affliction she was not only kept in patience, but enabled to sing and even shout the praises of God. For the last fortnight it pleased God to permit that her sufferings should be great; but her mind was blessedly sustained. On the day of her death, after a severe fit of coughing, she articulated feebly, but with a look which gave emphasis to her failing speech, "Glory, glory, glory!! She soon after entered into rest.

E. A.

Jan. 28th.-At Liverpool, (South Circuit,) aged fifty-six years, Mr. George Watson. He was born at Penrith; and, during his residence at Workington, through the instrumentality of the late Mr. Joseph Russell, of Liverpool, he united himself with the Methodist society, of which he continued a consistent member till his death. Soon after his conversion he felt anxious for the salvation of sinners; and by visiting the sick, reading the Scriptures, and praying with aged persons, engaging as a Sabbath-school Teacher and as a Local Preacher, he faithfully employed the talents with which he was entrusted. His manner of address was exceedingly affectionate, and the frequency with which it was accompanied with tears acquired for him the name of the "weeping Prophet." In the latter period of life his trials were of no ordinary kind, having, for a season, suffered the loss of his eyesight; but the grace of God was exceedingly abundant in him in faith and love." In his last illness he was graciously sustained; and, after lingering a few days, he fell asleep in Jesus. He was a good man. W. V.

Jan. 29th.-At Dalton, in the Ripon Circuit, in his sixty-fifth year, Mr. Thomas Walker, formerly of Leeds, where he joined the Methodist society, and shortly after found the pearl of great price. His disposition was eminently peaceable, and his manners unassuming. The affliction which terminated his life was protracted and painful; but he bore it with great patience, and over death was more than conqueror, through our Lord Jesus Christ. W. C.

Jan. 31st.-At Griffydam, in the Ashby-dela-Zouch Circuit, David Wardle, aged eightyseven; having been a consistent member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society sixty-eight years, and about forty-five years a Class-Leader. When the late Rev. Walter Sellon served the churches at Smisby and Breedon, he attended his ministry. Under that of the Methodist Preachers who first visited Griffydam, his convictions of sin were deepened, and he gladly availed himself of the privilege of Christian communion. With prayers and tears he sought, and soon found, the Lord. By the blessing of God on his industry and frugality, he obtained a sufficiency for his support in old age. He has given £200 to the chapel of which he was a Trustee. His trust in Christ he retained to the last, and left the world in the firm persuasion of meeting his friends in heaven. W. W.

Feb. 2d.-At Whitby, Elizabeth H., the be

loved wife of Mr. George Summerson, aged thirty-one years. Having experienced a scriptural conversion about eleven years ago, she joined the Wesleyan society, to which she was strongly attached, and in which, with great fear and trembling, though not without profit, she sustained the office of Class-Leader. She was zealously affected in the Missionary cause: her death is much lamented by the Committee and friends attached to the productive Missionary Bazaar in this town, she having been one of its most active members. In her a strong mind and a lively imagination were united. The works of that great and good man, Richard Watson, were much read by her; and on her dying bed she acknowledged, with deep feeling, her obligations to them. There was in her mind a propensity to reason on some points of Christian doctrine; and the perusal of the writings of that eminent man, so well calculated to help such a mind, was rendered a lamp unto her feet. Her disposition was amiable, and her humility deep. On the subject of evil-speaking she was very sensitive: her soul abhorred it; and, when she could, she rebuked it. On being told that, in all probability, her affliction would shortly end in death, she felt blessed with sufficient divine strength to triumph over her final foe : from that period her conversation was pre-eminently spiritual, instructive, and refreshing. The words which fell from her lips were full of grace. Her last words were, "Glory, glory, glory!"

T. S.

Feb. 2d.-At Brompton, in the Thirsk Circuit, John Wilford, Esq., in the sixty-second year of his age; a man of genuine and great piety. During his life he was favoured with temporal prosperity, and was an active and generous supporter of the funds of the Christian society to which he belonged. The Mission cause in particular lay near his heart. Forty-three years he was an unwavering member of the Wesleyan society; thirty-six a laborious and useful Local Preacher and Class-Leader; and thirty-four, he kindly and hospitably entertained the Preachers at his house. The affliction that terminated his life was long and severe; but he was enabled to resign his soul in peace into the hands of his Saviour, thus laying aside his armour and sword, for the palm and the crown.

J. H.

Feb. 3d.-At Higham-Ferrers, Mr. Daniel Pressland, (husband of the above Mrs. Pressland,) aged eighty-five. He was brought to seek and to experience salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus about fifty-two years ago, when he joined the Wesleyan society. He was the honoured instrument, in the hands of the Lord, of introducing Methodism into the town. He experienced much persecution; but he was faithful, and overcame. He was an acceptable and useful Local Preacher and Class-Leader for nearly fifty years. He only survived Mrs. Pressland eleven days. His end was eminently peaceful. A larger account of his life and death will be given in due time. M. D.

Feb. 4th.-At Wainfleet, aged twenty-eight years, Jane, the beloved wife of Mr. William Huggins, druggist. About three years ago she

was brought to a saving knowledge of the truth, and retained her confidence in Christ as her Saviour to the end of life. Her attachment to Wesleyan Methodism was sincere; and she felt the greatest pleasure in making her house a comfortable home for the Preachers who came to Wainfleet, when in the Boston Circuit. For some months before her death her sufferings were very great; but her desire was, that they might be sanctified, and that she might bear them with patience. The day before she died she received the sacrament of the Lord's supper, and expressed her confidence in Christ Jesus; and in this state of mind she died.

M. C.

Feb. 5th.-At Brompton, Mary Elizabeth, the wife of Bellas Moses, Esq., in the twenty-third year of her age. She began to meet in class about twelve months ago, and from that time sought the Lord with full purpose of heart; and while meeting in fellowship with her Christian friends, she was enabled to cast her soul upon the infinite merits of the Saviour, and thus obtained peace and joy through believing. Her subsequent conduct, which was highly becoming the Gospel of Christ, evidenced the reality of the change she had experienced. During the affliction, which speedily terminated in death she manifested the greatest patience under the sufferings she was called to endure, and peacefully entered into the joy of her Lord. J. K.

Feb. 6th.-At Markyate-street, in the Luton Circuit, aged seventy-two, Mr. William Iredale. Under a sermon preached on occasion of the death of the late Rev. John Cricket, he was deeply convinced that he needed pardon and regeneration. This great salvation for his guilty and polluted soul he sought, and by the mercy of God soon found. As a member of the Wesleyan society, the reality of his religious profession was evidenced by the consistency of his deportment, and the usefulness of his exertions during

the remainder of life. His disposition was kind,
and his manners amiable. Success crowned his
diligence in his temporal affairs, and he sought to
honour the Lord with his substance. For a year
or two before his death, he suffered great pros-
tration of strength, both in body and mind; but
to religious exercises he seemed always to be
alive. At length he peacefully fell asleep in
Christ.
G. T.

Feb. 14th. At the Hill-Head, in the Ballycastle Mission, Mrs. Martha Hill, relict of the late Mr. Hill, of that place, and mother of the Rev. John Hill, Wesleyan Minister. For more than half a century she had been a consistent member, and, as long as she was able, a useful Class-Leader, of the Methodist society. Having been converted to God through the instrumentality of the Wesleyan ministry, she was its attached and steady supporter for many years. After having proved the inestimable value of Christianity, and enjoyed its ordinances, during a long and devoted life, she was sustained by its truths in a dying hour. She endured a long and painful affliction with exemplary patience; and when, towards the final struggle, her affectionate daughter, Mrs. Boyd, asked her how she was, she was just able to reply, "As happy as I can be: "and soon after fell asleep in Jesus, in the eighty-sixth year of her age. We have lost a mother in Israel; but our loss is her eternal gain. T. H.

Feb. 16th.-Aged sixty-six years, Mr. Allbut, of Meriden, near Birmingham. His affliction was distinguished by the most entire resignation to the will of his heavenly Father. Being fixed by a constant faith upon the Rock of eternal ages, he evidently experienced the fulfilment of the heartcheering declaration, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." During a period of nearly fifty years he was a consistent and valuable member of the church of Christ.

POETRY.

A.

TRUTH.

A SONNET.

BY THE REV. HENRY ALFORD.
TRUTH loveth not to lavish upon all
The clear downshining of her heavenly smile;
She chooseth those on whom its light shall fall,
And shuts them from the earthly crowd the while :
But they whom she hath lighten'd, tread this earth
With step and mien of heavenly gentleness;
Ye shall not see them drunk with over-mirth,
Or tangled in the world's thick wilderness;
For there hath shone upon their path of life
Mild beamings from a hidden glory's ray;
A calm hath pass'd upon their spirit's strife,
The bounding of young hopes hath sunk away,
And certain bliss hath dawn'd, with still uprise,
Like the deep rest of joy in spirits' Paradise.

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